The Transformative Impact of Inclusive Technology at Lumen
In January 2024, Texthelp proudly announced its partnership with Lumen Technologies, a global telecommunications leader committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. This collaboration was a significant step towards supporting Lumen's vision of empowering all employees through inclusive technology.
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Lumen's dedication to disability inclusion earned them accolades such as Disability's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion and Forbes' Best Employer for Diversity. As part of their ongoing commitment to inclusivity, Lumen made Texthelp's Read&Write for Work software available to all employees, starting in January 2024.
This initiative aimed to provide tools that break down barriers and enhance productivity for employees with neurodiverse conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and more, as well as for those with physical disabilities. Additionally, it benefits the entire workforce and their families who can benefit from free usage of Read&Write.
Outcomes
- The partnership with Texthelp is supporting Lumen in achieving their overall inclusion goals: "Accessibility is not just a feature - it’s a fundamental aspect of our culture at Lumen. It’s about recognizing the diverse needs of our employees and customers and meeting them where they are. Our partnership with Texthelp serves as a reflection of our commitment to creating a world where everyone can succeed.”
- After installing Read&Write, Lumen's employees are seeing transformative impacts: “As a neurodiverse person, having the screen masking, the custom dictionary and read back option has been a game-changer. This is a great tool that helps me be more efficient and productive.”
- Lumen's ERG FRIENDS championed the partnership and are proud of the benefits for both staff and families: “FRIENDS was so proud and happy to be a part of providing this great tool that promotes inclusion and professionalism for all. I love that this is available for every Lumen employee and that Lumen families can download it to their home computers at no charge to help their kids in school too!”
Advancing accessibility with inclusive tech
Since the initial rollout, Texthelp's Read&Write has had a profound impact on Lumen's workplace culture and employee productivity. In its early rollout stages, nearly 200 employees have started to use the tools, and close to 30 families have taken advantage of the Free for Family initiative.
India Sylvester, Lumen’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, emphasizes the importance of digital accessibility in their overall Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship and Social Impact (IDEAS) strategy.
"Accessibility is not just a feature - it’s a fundamental aspect of our culture at Lumen. It’s about recognizing the diverse needs of our employees and customers and meeting them where they are. Our partnership with Texthelp serves as a reflection of our commitment to creating a world where everyone can succeed.”
India Sylvester, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Lumen
The extension of Read&Write to Lumen employees’ families through Texthelp's Free for Family initiative further demonstrates Lumen's dedication to supporting their community beyond the workplace. Deb Andersson, Senior Analyst of Contracts and Compliance is also the Global Chair of Lumen’s FRIENDS Employee Resource Group (ERG), who championed the rollout of Texthelp’s inclusive technology. She said:
“FRIENDS was so proud and happy to be a part of providing this great tool that promotes inclusion and professionalism for all. I love that this is available for every Lumen employee and that Lumen families can download it to their home computers at no charge to help their kids in school too!”
The employee impact of Read&Write
Rachel Carter and Tonya Baumgartl are both members of Lumen's FRIENDS Employee Resource Group (ERG) who share how Read&Write has transformed their daily working-lives:
“As a neurodiverse person, having the screen masking, the custom dictionary and read back option has been a game-changer. This is a great tool that helps me be more efficient and productive.”
Rachel Carter, Sr. Lead Project Manager – Federal & FRIENDS ERG Member at Lumen
"As a legally blind person, I highly recommend resources like this one for anyone who needs assistance with reading and writing. It is easy to use and learn, and it offers a variety of tools to help you with your daily tasks.”
Tonya Baumgartl, Customer Success Manager & FRIENDS ERG Member at Lumen
Future outlook
Looking ahead, Lumen and Texthelp remain dedicated to advancing digital inclusion and accessibility. Their partnership continues to evolve, driven by a shared commitment to empowering individuals with diverse abilities. Bryan Horne, Lumen’s Vice President Enterprise Digital Journeys and FRIENDS ERG executive sponsor, sums up their collaborative spirit:
“Lumen wins as our employees win. Providing software that eases the day-to-day experience while promoting a healthier, more productive workplace for those with neurodiverse conditions is a huge win for our employees and their families. This is what winning through inclusion, care, and compassion looks like.”
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